Veteran golfer Lee Westwood has voiced his frustration over the European Tour’s growing alignment with the PGA Tour, stating that it now operates as a “feeder” for American golf. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Westwood reiterated his concerns regarding how the two leading golf circuits responded to LIV Golf’s emergence.
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European Tour and PGA Tour Alliance Under Fire
Westwood, alongside fellow Ryder Cup champions Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia, announced their resignation from the European Tour, rendering them ineligible to represent Europe in the upcoming Ryder Cup against the United States in Rome. All three players have joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, which has been a major disruptor in professional golf.
The European Tour recently secured a legal victory over these players, who had appealed against the penalties imposed for participating in the inaugural LIV Golf event. The decision upheld fines and suspensions, marking a significant moment in the ongoing battle between traditional tours and the breakaway circuit.
Legal Battle and Player Sanctions
Westwood, Garcia, and Poulter—who collectively boast 53 European Tour victories—were among twelve players who contested the sanctions. The dispute arose after the European Tour denied release requests for the LIV Golf tournament at Centurion Club in England. Despite the rejection, players competed, leading to fines of £100,000 ($125,000) and suspensions from key tournaments, including the Scottish Open.
Westwood, widely regarded as one of the best golfers who never won a major championship, confirmed that he had paid the fine and was ready to move forward. However, he remains vocal about his dissatisfaction with how traditional tours have reacted to LIV Golf’s emergence.
Lee Westwood says Rory has had a "rethink" regarding his comments on European Tour players not coming back to play on Tour right away. https://t.co/W97iEfhkeb pic.twitter.com/YNMjl9KNwM
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 27, 2020
Westwood’s Criticism of the European Tour’s Direction
Reflecting on his long-standing membership with the European and PGA Tours, Westwood has frequently warned about the PGA Tour’s aggressive global expansion.
“I’ve been a dual member of the European Tour and PGA Tour, but I always maintained that I was a European Tour player first,” Westwood stated. “I feared the PGA Tour would dominate and exert excessive control over global golf.”
The 50-year-old English golfer criticized the European Tour’s evolving relationship with the PGA Tour, arguing that it has sacrificed its independence.
“In my opinion, the European Tour has fully aligned with the PGA Tour. Even though Keith Pelley (chief executive of the European Tour) dislikes the term, it has essentially become a feeder tour for the PGA Tour,” Westwood asserted.
He specifically highlighted the pathway that now allows the top 10 players on the European Tour, who are not already exempt, to earn PGA Tour cards. “That’s effectively giving our talent away, which was never the policy before this so-called ‘strategic alliance.'”
A Stand Against Fines and Bans
Westwood acknowledged that his decision to resign was influenced by the European Tour’s increasing restrictions and financial penalties.
“I didn’t want to keep playing under a regime that continuously imposed fines and bans,” he said. “I paid my fine out of respect for the arbitration panel, and I decided to take my future into my own hands.”
With his resignation, Westwood has distanced himself from the European Tour’s policies, emphasizing that he is ready to advance in his career with LIV Golf.
Lee Westwood’s outspoken criticism underscores the growing tension in professional golf as LIV Golf challenges traditional tours. His departure and other high-profile players highlight the significant shift in the sport’s landscape. As the debate over golf’s future continues, the divide between established tours and LIV Golf remains contentious.
